Minnesota Energy Resources reminds customers assistance is available

Rosemount — As we head into winter, Minnesota Energy Resources is letting customers know that their heating bills will likely rise as the temperatures fall — it’s due to a nationwide spike in natural gas prices.

The price of natural gas has more than doubled this year and currently sits at the highest level in a decade. This increase is mainly due to tight supplies as well as a worldwide increase in demand for natural gas.

An analysis done by Minnesota Energy Resources predicts the typical residential customer will pay $44 more a month this winter compared to last year. The analysis assumes typical winter weather.

Natural gas is a pass-through expense; Minnesota Energy Resources does not earn a profit on the gas it purchases for its customers.

Working on behalf of customers

Minnesota Energy Resources uses a proactive, multi-pronged approach to make sure customers have the reliable and affordable energy they need, while limiting the impact of sudden price changes. The company buys and stores gas when it is typically lower priced, locks in guaranteed natural gas contracts at fixed prices and purchases gas in the market. This approach is estimated to lower this winter’s gas costs for Minnesota Energy Resources customers by 15%.

Assistance available

More Minnesotans than ever before qualify for the state’s Energy Assistance Program. The Minnesota Department of Commerce estimates 600,000 households are income eligible to receive federal funding. Customers can receive up to $1,600 to help pay their energy bills.

Customers can visit https://www.minnesotaenergyresources.com/payment-bill/lieap for more information on energy assistance.

Any customers who are having a difficult time paying their energy bill should contact Minnesota Energy Resources as soon as possible to discuss available options including flexible payment plans and budget billing.

Managing energy use

Customers can take steps to manage their energy use by turning down their thermostats, sealing gaps around windows and doors and scheduling an annual furnace tuneup. There are also a number of energy efficiency rebates available. For more low and no cost energy-saving tips visit https://www.minnesotaenergyresources.com/savings/.